I grew up with a father whose idea of wrapping a gift was to throw the box in a bag and tape it shut. I have never been good at this kind of stuff. I started reading your column and got inspired. Do you think you can show me how to wrap a gift? Robert

Dear Robert:

Oh, how times have changed. I can't recall my grandfather ever buying a gift, let alone wrapping one. In his opinion, that was a woman's job.

Today, I'm pretty certain that comment would win you a swift kick where the sun doesn't shine. Being a man today is very different than it was years ago. The line between gender roles has been blurred, leaving men lost in a woman's world. How could our fathers and grandfathers have shown us these skills when they hadn't acquired them in their lifetime?

Follow the steps below, and next time you see a guy staring like a deer in the headlights at wrapping paper and ribbon, you'll be able to confidently say, "It's easier than it looks! Wrapping a gift can be done in a few simple steps."

SUPPLIES

Quality wrapping paper

Double sided tape

Scissors

Ribbon with wire edges

STEP 1

The right materials for the job. You wouldn't build your shop walls with crooked econo studs, so why try to wrap a gift with cheap flimsy paper? The results are the same; you'll spend your day fighting with the darn thing, trying to get it right. Instead, invest in a good, thick wrapping paper. If you shop around, you can find a good bargain.

Once you have selected a nice, neutral-coloured paper, cut a piece big enough to wrap around the gift. Tip: Make sure the sides of the paper are long enough to cover the sides of the box.

STEP 2

Wrap the paper around the box meeting the ends in the middle of the box's back. Fold the edges into a one to two inch crease to create a straight line. Tape the paper in place.

STEP 3

The origami of wrapping! Folding the sides of the gift is easy. Simply fold the top end of the paper towards the box which will create a triangle on each side. Then fold the side triangles towards each other where they will meet at the bottom middle of the box to create a third and final triangle. Fold the last triangle upward and tape it in place.

STEP 4

Place the ribbon around the box starting over the top of the box and where the ribbon meets under the box, cross the ribbon and come up the two remaining sides. Make a bow on top and cut the ends diagonally, just a little longer than the bow.

STEP 5

Proudly place your freshly wrapped gift under the tree and enjoy the holidays

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All you need to do is be a Winnipeg Free Press print or e-edition subscriber to join the conversation and give your feedback.